Resort News

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, is proud to announce a dynamic new culinary team, highlighted by the return of acclaimed chef Shaymus Alwin as executive chef. The team includes two promotions from within the Waikiki Collection complex, plus the appointment of chef de cuisine at the oceanfront signature dining restaurant, Azure.

Alwin returns to the Pink Palace of the Pacific, where he spent nearly 10 years at Azure Restaurant. In his new position, he oversees all culinary operations across the property, including Azure, Mai Tai Bar, Surf Lanai, Royal Hawaiian Bakery, and ‘Aha‘aina, A Royal Hawaiian Luau, as well as banquets and special events. Chef Shaymus has crafted a reputation for blending innovative techniques with a deep respect for local ingredients. With a distinguished background that includes training with The French Laundry and other prestigious kitchens, he is redefining the resort’s culinary landscape with dishes that celebrate Hawaii’s vibrant produce and seafood, all while championing sustainability and farm-to-table practices.

Executive Sous Chef Jeremy Shibata is the first of the internal promotions, having worked at The Royal Hawaiian as a sous chef since 2019, his culinary journeys have taken him from local kitchens to esteemed establishments. Azure Chef de Cuisine Jose Reyes, whose inventive approach and dedication to local ingredients are reflected in a revamped Azure Restaurant menu in September. Sous Chef Kandice Symister was promoted from second cook at the Moana Surfrider; she is the reigning Masters of the Craft Culinary Champion – a speed-and-skills competition with a secret ingredient that’s modeled after shows such as “Top Chef.” The global competition is put on by Marriott International with elimination rounds held at the city, state and regional levels each summer. In September 2023, Symister bested two other competitors at Marriott’s Test Kitchen in Bethesda, Maryland with her hoisin-marinated rack of lamb with mushrooms as the secret ingredient.

The Royal Hawaiian is thrilled to announce a series of exclusive culinary events at Azure. After recently hosting a remarkable dining experience on August 9, where guests savored a five-course menu crafted by Chef Reyes and paired with custom cocktails featuring El Tequileño tequilas hand-selected by Master Distiller Tony Salles, the resort is excited to elevate the culinary experience further in October. On October 22, Azure will host a Truchard Vineyards pairing dinner, offering guests an evening of sophisticated wines and expertly curated dishes.

“The Royal Hawaiian has always been a beacon of culinary excellence; under the leadership of Chef Shaymus Alwin, we are entering an exciting chapter,” said General Manager Nicole Okuna. “Our new culinary team is committed to creating unforgettable dining experiences that honor Hawaii’s rich culinary heritage while introducing innovative flavors and techniques. We look forward to delighting our guests with these new epicurean journeys.”

For more information or reservations, please contact The Royal Hawaiian at (808) 923-7311 or visit our Dining page from the button below.